The Office of Proposal Development (OPD) supports Texas A&M faculty in the development and writing of research and educational proposals to federal agencies and foundations. OPD supports new and junior faculty, center-level initiatives, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research teams, research affinity groups, diversity in the research enterprise, and long-term proposal planning.

OPD helps develop research partnerships across colleges, departments, centers, and interdisciplinary groups, as well as throughout The Texas A&M University System, including the Texas A&M Health Science Center and its four components.

OPD also offers a comprehensive suite of training programs and information resources to help new faculty, those expanding into new program areas, and graduate students to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to write more competitive proposals. The OPD website includes a constantly updated list of funding opportunities, presentations from past OPD workshops and seminars, background materials on funding agencies and programs, and an extensive workbook discussing the craft of proposal writing.

A. Grant Writing

1. Seminars on Grant Writing

OPD offers numerous seminars, workshops, and panel discussions about seeking external research funding, including workshops on how to write competitive proposals, panel discussions on particular funding agencies, and seminars on how to compete for particular types of programs. Upcoming seminars and workshops are listed with registration information on the website. Presentations and background information from previous seminars are also posted on the site.

2. Funding Opportunities List

A comprehensive list of external funding opportunities available to investigators is posted on the OPD website. Researchers can access the opportunities for the current month as well as archives of previous months. A list of funding opportunities by category is also available, as well as links to other websites that list funding opportunities and electronic alert services.

3. Support for Junior Faculty

An important priority of OPD is to assist new and junior faculty at Texas A&M to identify and successfully compete for research funding. As part of this initiative, we offer:

4. The Craft of Grant Writing Workbook

OPD has prepared a comprehensive workbook, The Craft of Grant Writing, to assist investigators in writing grants. This workbook covers every phase of the proposal preparation process.

The workbook is available in several forms on the website. Researchers can download the entire workbook in Adobe PDF format or view individual chapters as web pages. In addition to the workbook, OPD has also provided a number of toolkits for investigators to use which cover more specific information on selected funding agencies and types of grants.

...........................................

Mike Cronan
Director
OPD Web site
979.845.1811
Fax 979.458.0036

A. Microscopy and Imaging Center

The Microscopy and Imaging Center (MIC) is a central research infrastructure facility that houses transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as light microscopy. The center’s mission is to provide current and emerging technologies for teaching and research involving microscopy and related imaging in the life and material sciences. In addition, MIC develops training and support services for microscopy, sample preparation, in situ analysis, and digital image processing. The Materials Characterization Facility (MCF), affiliated with the MIC, is a multiuser facility designed to support the research efforts of the Texas A&M materials science and engineering community. The MCF houses equipment in support of the fabrication and characterization of new materials and devices.
...........................................
Andreas Holzenburg
Director
MIC Website
979.845.1129
Fax 979.847.8933

B. Comparative Medicine Program

The Comparative Medicine Program (CMP) is the centrally administered support service for animal research and teaching programs on the Texas A&M campus. The CMP facilities and services are available to all faculty and staff who have been approved to work with animals in teaching or research by a Texas A&M Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The CMP mission is to enhance excellence in research and teaching through the provision of high-quality animal care at an affordable cost to the faculty, consistent with standards established by the Guide for the Care & Use of Laboratory Animals and all pertinent local, state, and federal laws.

...........................................
Elizabeth Browder
Interim Director
CMP Website
979.845.7433
Fax 979.845.6706

C. Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine*

The Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine (TIGM) is a nonprofit, research institute utilizing advancd technologies to discover breakthroughs in science and medicine and accelerate the pace of medical discoveries. TIGM accomplishes this through internal research and collaborations with other institutions. TIGM also maintains the world’s largest library of mouse knockout embryonic stem (ES) cells and provides both ES cells and mice to academic and commercial institutions around the world.

* shared with the Texas A&M Health Science Center

...........................................
Richard H. Finnell
Director and Chief Executive Officer
TIGM Website
713.677.7777

D. Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies

The Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) fosters multi-disciplinary service, research and education in a state-of-the-art preclinical research and imaging center. The primary focus of TIPS is to develop research activities and provide core services in the areas of device/drug development, preclinical studies under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and biomedical imaging. The new facility will provide animal housing, surgical laboratories, pre-OP, recoveery and ICU services. The preclinical imaging center will house a 3T MRI with XMR, a 3-D ECHO, and a fixed cardiac catherization lab. An onsite GLP Clinical Pathology lab equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to provide diagnostic testing for drug and device development. TIPS will also serve as a key resource for advanced training of professional personnel in product development science and regulatory issues within biotechnology.

...........................................
Theresa W. Fossum
Director
TIPS Website
979.845.3374

Fax 979.845.3376

E. Additional Facilities

1. Elemental Analysis Laboratory

The Elemental Analysis Laboratory is a component of the Department of Chemistry’s Center for Chemical Characterization and Analysis. The laboratory provides research support in the area of elemental and trace analysis as well as service analyses to Texas A&M users, other university and government agencies, and private industry. It is unique in that it features fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA) capabilities utilizing D-T neutron generators in addition to thermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using the university’s Nuclear Science Center 1 MW TRIGA research reactor. In addition to these nuclear analytical facilities, the laboratory operates an energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF) and an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ICP-MS has been fitted with both conventional sample introduction hardware for solution work, a 213 nm laser ablation system (LA-ICP-MS) for studying solids and surfaces, and most recently with high pressure liquid chromatographic instrumentation (HPLC-ICP-MS) for measuring specific species of certain elements. The laboratory is extensively used to benefit a wide variety of research programs, reporting some 50,000 measurements completed each operational year.
...........................................
William D. James
Manager
Laboratory Website
979.845.7630
Fax 979.845.1655

2. Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry

The Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry (LBMS) was established to promote collaborative interactions between developmental mass spectrometry research programs and the mass spectrometry users. Mass spectrometry provides accurate molecular weight determinations for almost any class of biological compounds and can be used for structural characterization of biomolecules. Because many of these experiments are time intensive and instrumentally complex, the LBMS provides several mechanisms whereby research programs can gain access to the research instrumentation. Activities that require methods development and will likely yield publishable analytical data, are targeted for collaborative projects, whereas routine analyses are performed on a service/fee basis.

Mass spectral analysis based on electron impact and chemical ionization is routine and is handled on a service/fee basis. On the other hand, some analyses that require atmospheric pressure-CI, electrospray ionization, and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization require methods development. In cases where the methods development is extensive, it is possible for this to be handled on a collaborative basis, especially if the method may be broadly applicable to other LBMS users.

If you are interested in utilizing mass spectrometry in your research endeavors, you are encouraged to contact the LBMS personnel. They can also provide you with detailed information on how mass spectrometry can be used most effectively to solve your research needs.
...........................................
David H. Russell
Director
LBMS Website
979.845.3345
Fax 979.845.9485

3. Laboratory for Molecular Simulation

The Laboratory for Molecular Simulation (LMS) brings molecular modeling and computational chemistry closer to the experimental scientist by offering training to both new and advanced users. Advanced modeling software is available to perform quantum calculations on small molecular or solid systems and molecular mechanics/dynamics modeling for large systems such as proteins, DNA, nanomolecules, polymers, solids, and liquids. The LMS also provides support for faculty that wish to incorporate molecular modeling in their course material.
...........................................
Michael B. Hall
Director
LMS Website
979.845.1843
Fax 979.845.2971

Lisa M. Pérez
Manager
979.845.9384
Fax 979.845.2971

4. Protein Chemistry Laboratory

The Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL) is a core resource facility created and funded under the auspices of the Division of Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) at Texas A&M. The mission of the laboratory is: 1) to provide access to specialized techniques in protein analysis and proteomics to all Texas A&M scientists, 2) to provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and technical expertise for the application of these modern techniques, and 3) to train Texas A&M scientists and students in the proper application and interpretation of experimental data. This fee-for-service laboratory accepts samples from faculty, scientists, and students of Texas A&M, other educational institutions, and industrial scientists. If capacity is met, preference is given to Texas A&M scientists and students for support of their research. The PCL is overseen by a faculty committee that meets regularly to discuss issues relevant to the facility’s operation and make planning decisions to implement new technologies to keep Texas A&M research on the cutting edge.
...........................................
Larry Dangott
Director
PCL Website
979.845.2965
Fax 979.845.8015

5. Gene Technologies Laboratory

The Gene Technologies Laboratory (GTL) represents a vital part of the Texas A&M research infrastructure for molecular and cellular biologists and biochemists. This non-profit core facility has been maintained since 1985 by the Department of Biology, the Institute of Developmental and Molecular Biology, the College of Science, and the Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

The GTL offers DNA sequencing and synthesis services to Texas A&M University System research groups. Sequencing reactions can be performed by the client or by GTL personnel, and results are available electronically, typically overnight. Two-day service is available for oligonucleotides. They are delivered to the client’s laboratory or picked up from the GTL office. Other services include specialty reagents for DNA extraction and analysis, access to Sequencher software, and automated DNA extraction from plant tissues using an Autogen 850 machine. These fee-for-service amenities are available at a low cost. In the past year some 25,000 sequencing reactions were run for more than 150 research groups from five system campuses, and six colleges and 30 departments used the services of the GTL facility.

...........................................
Timothy C. Hall
Director
GTL Website
979.845.9844
Fax 979.862.4098

A. Funding Opportunities

1. Program to Enhance Scholarly and Creative Activities

The Program to Enhance Scholarly and Creative Activities supports scholarly and creative activities primarily in the humanities, arts, and other disciplines in which external funding is typically not available.

Eligibility                           Tenured and tenure-track faculty
Maximum Award               $10,000
Deadline                           Yearly; submission deadlines are posted to the Web site

Learn More

...........................................
Rickie Fletcher
Program Coordinator
Web site
979.845.1812
Fax 979.458.0036

2. CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)

Texas A&M University and Mexico’s Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT) have a Collaborative Research Grant Program that calls for significant international cooperation in research and graduate student training and provides seed money for educational programs and collaborative research between Texas A&M and Mexican higher educations and CONACYT research centers. The agreement emphasizes joint programs including collaborative research programs, faculty and researcher exchanges, non-degree student training, graduate student education, and post-graduate certification. The agreement provides unprecedented opportunities for researchers from Mexico and Texas A&M to work together to address issues that span our common border.

Eligibility                            Tenured and tenure-track faculty
Maximum Award                $24,000
Deadline                            Yearly; submission deadlines are posted to the website

Learn More at the CONACyT Web site
...........................................
Julie Barker
Assistant Vice President for Research and Chief of Staff
CONACyT Website
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1855

3. Limited Submission Proposals

Limited Submission Proposals are typically limited in one of the following ways: only a specific number of proposals may be allowed; only degree-granting institutions may submit; and only a limited number of submissions may be made by a single principal investigator, department, or other discipline. In addition, other types of limitations may be imposed. The program guidelines should specify any limitations applicable to that proposal.
...........................................
Rickie Fletcher
Program Coordinator
Website
979.845.1812
Fax 979.458.0036

4. Internal Grants Programs

The Division of Research and Graduate Studies has established several competitive programs to promote research and scholarly activity in a wide variety of fields and settings.
...........................................
Website

5. Community of Science and Funding Opportunities

Community of Science (COS) is the leading global resource for hard-to-find information critical to scientific research and other projects across all disciplines.
...........................................
Website

6. International Research Travel Assistance Grant

This competitive International Research Travel Assistance Grant, administered through the Office of International Outreach, distributes $20,000 each fall and spring semester. This award averages $2,000 per person with 10 faculty members receiving funding. This is a reimbursement grant for travel expenses incurred while conducting research or scholarly collaborative work outside the United States. Funding is not available for research that has taken place before grants are awarded. Priority is given to proposals that have the potential to attract additional external funds. No funding is provided strictly to attend a conference or symposium. Requests for proposals are distributed each September and January.
...........................................
Kim Fox
Program Coordinator
Website
979.862.6700
Fax 979.862.6705

B. External Support for Research

The Division of Research and Graduate Studies works to support faculty members to obtain external support.

Faculty members should work with their associate dean for research and department head to identify the most appropriate sponsors for their particular research interests.

Below is a list of the top sources of external funding for Texas A&M in the year 2007.

The Welch Foundation is one of the United States’ oldest and largest private funding sources for basic chemical research. The general policy is to support fundamental chemical research at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions within the state of Texas.
...........................................
Website

2. ARP/ATP Grant Program

The Advanced Research Program (ARP) and the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) were created by the Texas Legislature in 1987 as competitive, peer-reviewed grants programs to fund scientific and engineering research projects of faculty members at Texas higher education institutions. The programs are administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Funding for these programs is cyclical and dependent on the State Legislature.

The Office of Business Administration is responsible for all financial related activities including accounts payable and receivable, tracking commitments, budget preparation and monitoring, payroll, human resources, property management, computer support, and space inventory.

...........................................
Annette Shenkir
Assistant Vice President for Research
979.458.2275
Fax 979.458.1833

A. Research Positions and Staff Hiring and Promotion

Questions or comments concerning information regarding classification of research positions and the paperwork associated with the hiring and promotion of research staff should be directed to the department’s business staff or Michelle Kramer, manager, Human Resources and Payroll, 979.845.1882 or makramer@tamu.edu.

B. Position Descriptions for Frequently Used Titles/Faculty Equivalents of Research Scientist Titles

C. Guidelines for Hiring Non-Faculty Research Personnel

Texas A&M non-faculty research personnel must have an appropriate degree and relevant professional experience. For research title considerations clerical, business, or other administrative support personnel assigned to the project are not considered to specific duties pertaining to research activities by the principal investigator, project leader, or director.

Continued employment in non-faculty positions is considered temporary and is contingent upon the competitive success and funding of the project to which non-faculty research personnel are assigned.

Appointments, reviews, merit increases and promotion guidelines for all research titles must be approved by the respective principal investigator, department head, dean, and the vice president for research (except in the case of the vice president for research, the authority for the above referenced approvals may be delegated.) All approvals must be in accordance with individual college guidelines. College guidelines for the appointment and personnel position changes shall be established for all non-faculty research personnel, approved by the vice president for research, and shall remain consistent with related University Rules and System Regulations.

Undergraduates employed in research positions for which student status is required are not covered under the provisions of this rule. Only specified non-faculty research personnel titles are considered valid University non-faculty research employment titles. However, Texas A&M has “grandfathered” employees with research titles which predate the publication of this rule (refer to Standard Administrative Procedure 15.01.01.M4.01: Non-faculty Research Positions). Non-faculty research personnel employed by the Engineering or Agriculture programs should reference the respective agency’s rules if on agency funds.

See information on website

The director of Research Reporting Statistics and Ombudsperson serves as the primary contact for statistical information pertinent to research activities at Texas A&M University including awards and expenditures and sponsor, researcher, and project identification. In addition to assessing data for Texas A&M, the office compiles information from the Texas A&M service agencies, the Texas A&M branch campuses, and the Texas A&M Research Foundation to officially report research data for Texas A&M. Reports and surveys include the National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Engineering R&D Expenditure Report, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Research Expenditures Report for Texas A&M and the service agencies, NSF Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities, and various other external and internal reports for assessing programs and projecting trends in funding. The office coordinates collection and dissemination of data to enhance the university’s research environment and works closely with the vice presidents for research in the development of statistical reports, benchmarks, performance measures and strategic plans; and coordinates analysis and evaluation of research expenditures and award statistics.

...........................................
Becky Holloway
Director
979.862.3939
Fax 979.458.4513

The Research Policy and Development Support Office provides guidance and assistance to administrators and to researchers on a variety of policy, compliance, and intellectual property issues involved in the sponsored research and technology transfer processes. The office is responsible for University Research Rules, Conflict of Interest Sponsored Research and Educational Activities, Internal Grant Programs, Limited Submission Process, Community of Science Funding Opportunity/Faculty Profile Database, Intellectual Property/Tech Transfer management (liaison with OTC), Export Controls, and Visiting Scholars.

...........................................
Gregory L. Foxworth
Assistant Vice President
979.458.1812
Fax 979.458.0036

Texas A&M University Research Services (TAMU-RS) is the sponsored projects office for Texas A&M. Research Services is comprised of three departments: Preaward Services, Award Services and Project Administration. Research Services reviews and approves all proposals soliciting external support and provides limited preparation services, negotiates award agreements and other documents including material transfer agreements and nondisclosure agreements; and provides compliance and accounting services for sponsored projects.

A. Preaward Services

All Texas A&M proposals for external funding, including proposals submitted through the Texas A&M Research Foundation, must adhere to Texas A&M Rules and A&M System Regulations and Policies. Proposals with funding from an external source which involve Texas A&M faculty, facilities, or resources must be approved by TAMU-RS prior to submission to the sponsor.

B. Award Services

Research Services is responsible for negotiating the terms and conditions for Texas A&M sponsored agreements to perform research, instruction, public service, and other sponsored activities. A proposal is required for all agreements.

...........................................
Elise Winchester
Senior Proposal Administrator
979.845.6711

C. Project Administration

Research Services is responsible for the post-award administration of sponsored projects. Accounts are established in the Texas A&M accounting system for sponsored agreements. Research Services provides financial reporting and monitoring to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

...........................................
Marcie Avery
Senior Negotiator
979.862.6451

A. Graduate Research Opportunities

Academic departments provide graduate students with opportunities for graduate assistantships. These positions support teaching, research, and administration. Details about these positions are available through the student’s academic department, various administrative departments, and centers and agencies conducting research. Criteria for selection and the stipend amounts vary by department.
...........................................
Robert Webb
Interim Dean, Office of Graduate Studies (OGS)
OGS Website
979.845.3631
Fax 979.862.1692

1. Grant and Fellowship Programs for Graduate Students

Several programs aimed at enhancing graduate and professional students’ research and career development are offered year round. Guidelines and applications, where applicable, are available from OGS.

a. Prospective Graduate Student - Travel Grants

Prospective Student travel grants are provided to departments to bring exceptional applicants to the university to meet with faculty and students and to survey educational facilities on campus. Maximum awards are $500 per student.

b. Regents’ Graduate Fellowships

Regents’ Graduate Fellowships are highly competitive awards given to students with exceptional credentials. Awards are granted by colleges and departments and amounts vary.

c. Association of Former Students/Graduate Merit Fellowships

Graduate Merit Fellowships are awarded through a university-wide nomination process and are designed to encourage high-quality first-time applicants to enroll in graduate programs at Texas A&M. Departments nominate students, and about 30 students receive $20,000 awards for their first year of graduate school.
...........................................
Website information about graduate grant and fellowship programs

d. Graduate Diversity Fellowships

Established to encourage the matriculation of highly qualified students who bring some aspect of diversity to Texas A&M, these fellowship recipients are nominated by their departments and receive a $13,000 fellowship. With this multi-year fellowship, the fellowship recipient also receives a graduate assistantship through the academic department and a tuition and fee stipend.

e. Pathways to the Doctorate Assistantship

This program provides $20,000 research assistantships for students who graduate from other universities within the A&M System.

f. Research and Presentation Grants

This program provides support for graduate student research or travel to conferences for presentations. Students who receive the grant are reimbursed for certain expenses up to $400.

g. Texas Aggie Graduate Grants

These grants are need-based awards (need is determined by Student Financial Aid) for graduate students who are Texas residents. Each student may receive up to $1,500 per semester, with a maximum of $3,000 per year.

h. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships are awarded by NSF and the funding may be administered through OGS.
...........................................
Information about Graduate Research Fellowships at the NSF Website

i. Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships

Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships are for predoctoral and dissertation fellows. These fellowships are given by the Ford Foundation and the “cost of education allowance” for predoctoral students is administered by OGS.

j. Welch Foundation Fellowships

The Welch Foundation established an endowment at Texas A&M to encourage superior graduate students to enroll in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering graduate programs.
...........................................
Website information about Welsh Foundation Fellowships

B. Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Office of Undergraduate Research is a resource for faculty interested in involving undergraduates in their research activities or in developing new research opportunities for students. The office is supported through both the Office of Graduate Studies and the Office of Undergraduate Programs.
...........................................
Robert Webb
Associate Dean, Office of Undergraduate Research
UGR Website
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1855

1. Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Beginning in the fall of 2006, the Office of Undergraduate Research began offering a new undergraduate research experience for capable undergraduates with U3 classification. Qualified students must submit a written proposal to be considered for admission to the program. The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program offers students the opportunity to work on an independent research project with a faculty mentor. The student presents their research publicly and writes the results in a thesis. The thesis is then submitted to the digital collection that houses graduate theses and dissertations. A modest stipend is available to students in this program to defray costs of materials, supplies, or travel associated with this research.
...........................................
Website information about Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

2. University Honors Program

The University Honors Program at Texas A&M offers special opportunities for academically successful, confident, and motivated undergraduates to pursue course work and independent research that challenges their interests and abilities. The program is campus-wide, encompassing all undergraduate colleges in the university. As a result, honors students have access to the entire spectrum of educational resources available at Texas A&M. Honors courses and individualized research programs bring together outstanding students and faculty in an environment designed to encourage initiative, creativity, and independent thinking.
...........................................
Edward Funkhouser
Executive Director
Website information about the University Honors Program
979.845.6774
Fax 979.845.0300

3. University Undergraduate Research Fellows Program

The University Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is the capstone of the honors curriculum at Texas A&M. The two-semester research experience culminates in a senior honors thesis and is the most challenging undergraduate independent study opportunity available at the university. It provides participants with extraordinary access to faculty expertise and research resources. The Fellows program features a close, mentor-apprentice relationship between student researchers and faculty advisers and involves interdisciplinary group meetings throughout the academic year to foster scholarly community. A modest research stipend is made available to fellows to supplement departmental support. Participating students publicly present their research results at the annual University Undergraduate Research Fellows Symposium. Fellows are selected through a competitive process of reviewing research proposals from among qualifying junior honors students.
...........................................
Website information about the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program
Kurt Ritter
Associate Director of Honors
979.845.1957
Fax 979.845.0300

4. Honors Independent Study

The University Honors Program offers qualifying juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn up to nine hours of honors credit through independent study/research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Honors Independent Study is especially suitable in cases where no classroom courses exist in a specialty area, where a student would like to undertake a major research project, or where a custom-designed interdisciplinary course is the goal.
...........................................
Edward Funkhouser
Executive Director
University Honors Program Website
979.845.6774
Fax 979.845.0300

5. Student Research Week

The mission of Student Research Week (SRW) is to recognize and celebrate student research at Texas A&M. SRW aims to highlight the excellence and broad range of this research to the university community.

Student Research Week exemplifies Texas A&M’s long-standing commitment to providing educational research opportunities for students at all levels.
...........................................
Student Research Week Website

6. Summer Research Grant Program

Summer Research Grant Programs are offered through the various colleges. For a complete list of programs please visit the undergraduate research Web site.
...........................................
UGR Website

Texas A&M and the A&M System have promulgated rules and regulations pertaining to various issues involved in research, including project administration, proposal processing, intellectual property, qualifications of principal investigators, and other areas.
...........................................

A. Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship

Texas A&M’s Rule 15.99.03M1, Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship supplements the A&M System Regulation 15.99.03, Ethics in Research and Scholarship. The A&M System regulation states that “Academic research and scholarship must be conducted under the highest standards of honesty and integrity and all data, procedures, and findings will be properly and thoroughly documented. The credibility and long-term reputation of the faculty, staff, and each institution depend on the encouragement, enforcement, and reward of superior ethical standards. Achieving high ethical standards should transcend considerations of finance, personal gain, and short-term individual and institutional
recognition.” The University Rule and the A&M System Regulation provide definitions and procedures for dealing with allegations of misconduct in research and scholarship for non-funded and funded research, regardless of the funding source.
...........................................
The complete University Rule can be found here
The A&M System Regulation can be found here

B. Intellectual Property

The A&M System is committed to teaching, research, and public service. Research is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of the educational process, regularly leading to the development of new ideas, discoveries, and technologies with the potential to benefit the public at large. It is necessary to have an intellectual property policy that assures these new ideas, discoveries, and technologies arising from conducted research are used to the best interest of the A&M System’s constituents and the public it serves.

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) was created in December 2005 to facilitate technology transfer for the A&M System. It is the mission of OTC to encourage broad practical application of the A&M System research for public benefit; to encourage and assist those associated with the A&M System in the production, licensing, and commercialization of their discoveries; to ensure the equitable distribution of royalties and other monetary benefits resulting from the commercial application of intellectual property; and to see that commercialization activities benefit the research, education, and outreach missions of the A&M System into the future.

...........................................
Guy Diedrich
Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization
979.847.8682
Fax 979.845.1402
Website for the OTC

David Riddle
Director, Licensing and Intellectual Property

979.862.1933

C. Faculty Development Leave

The A&M System funds a Faculty Development Leave program. Leaves are funded at full pay for one semester or one-half pay for two semesters. Faculty members on these types of leaves may accept grants for study, research, or travel, but may not accept employment from other sources unless the Board of Regents determines that it would be in the public interest to do so and expressly approves the employment.
...........................................
Karan L. Watson
Dean of Faculties and Associate Provost
979.845.4274
Fax 979.845.1822
Website information

D. The Office of Biosafety

The Office of Biosafety engages with research programs and ensures that policies and guidelines established by the Institutional Biosafety Committee are carried out in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. The office is led by the responsible official and biological safety officer. The office also provides guidance and outreach through on-going training; consults and monitors Risk Group 3 (RG3) and select biological agent activities; conducts orientation for students, faculty, and staff regarding the use of biohazardous materials; develops and implements ongoing monitoring and inspections of biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories; consults with laboratory directors and/or principal investigators on all matters related to laboratory biosafety and compliance; conducts risk analyses of research operations with biohazardous agents and/or activities and identifies appropriate mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate identified risk factors; and assesses and analyzes potential safety and health risks of research projects that involve biological materials; and determines effective engineering or administrative controls to mitigate against these risks.

...........................................
Bruce M. Whitney
Responsible Official / Biological Safety Officer
979.862.4549
Fax 979.458.2669
Website information

Institutional Biosafety Program

The Institutional Biosafety Program (IBSP) is responsible for support, oversight, and guidance to the research community and serves as the administrative arm for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) for research involving biohazardous material. The IBC is a federally mandated committee by the National Institutes of
Health, and is responsible for reviewing and approving research involving recombinant DNA and other biohazard projects. The committee sets containment levels in accordance with NIH guidelines, Biosafety in Biomedical and Microbiological Laboratories (BMBL) manual, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IBSP works closely with the Texas A&M Environmental Health and Safety Department.
...........................................
Tiffany M. Agnew
Program Coordinator
979.458.1467
Fax 979.862.3176
Website information on the Institutional Biosafety Program
Vernon Tesh, IBC Chair

E. The Office of Research Compliance

The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) facilitates research by providing support, guidance, and oversight to the research community through the development and/or implementation of compliance standards.

The ORC is divided into two main program areas. Each program is staffed with a team available for pre-submission consultations, training, and to meet general assistance needs.
...........................................
Angelia Raines
Director
979.458.1467
Fax 979.862.3176
ORC Website

1. Human Subjects' Protection Program

The Human Subjects' Protection Program offers support, oversight, and guidance to the research community and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for projects related to the ethical use of human subjects in research. The IRB is a federally mandated committee tasked with reviewing research protocols in order to ensure compliance with regulations and institutional standards related to the protection of human subjects.
...........................................
Melissa McIlhaney, CIP
Program Coordinator
979.458.4067
Fax 979.862.3176
Website information on the Human Subjects' Protection Program
J. Steven Moore, IRB 1 Chair
Mary Elizabeth Herring, IRB 2 Chair

2. Animal Welfare Assurance Program

The Animal Welfare Assurance Program offers support and guidance to the research community and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for projects related to the welfare of animals in research and/or teaching. The IACUC is a federally mandated committee responsible for the oversight of the welfare of animal subjects in research and teaching. The committee reviews all protocols involving the use of vertebrate animals for compliance, conducts inspections of all areas where animals are housed and used, reviews the institutional program for animal use, reports its findings, investigates reports of animal concerns, and makes recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding the institution’s animal care and use program.
...........................................
Olivia Ash
Program Coordinator
979.458.1467
Fax 979.862.3176
Website information on the Animal Protection Program
Duane Kraemer, IACUC 1 Chair
Neil Hooper, IACUC 2 Chair

3. ORC's Additional Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Export Controls

The federal government regulates exports from the U.S. and may require a license to export knowledge (or share with certain non-U.S. citizens) and technologies dependent upon an item’s technical characteristics, the destination, the end-user, and the end-use. The exporter must determine whether an export requires a license. The ORC is available to assist in making this determination.

The violation of standard scholarly codes of conduct and ethical behavior in professional scientific research by plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication of data is considered scientific misconduct. The ORC is responsible for assessing and/or
investigating allegations of scientific misconduct.

The University provides a variety of resources and offices to assist individual researchers in the management of research and sponsored projects. Below are the resource offices most commonly contacted for research information.
.....................................................................

Executive Administration, Division of Research and Graduate Studies

312 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1855

Theresa A. Maldonado
Interim Vice President for Research

Carol Cantrell
Senior Associate Vice President for Research
201 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.862.1478
Fax 979.458.4513

Marvin Adams
Associate Vice President for Research
122 Zachry Engineering Center
3133 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3133
979.845.4198
Fax 979.845.6443

Fuller Bazer
Associate Vice President for Research

Julie K. Barker
Assistant Vice President for Research and Chief of Staff

Gregory Foxworth
Assistant Vice President for Research
305 Administration Building
3121 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3121
979.845.1812
Fax 979.458.0036

Charlene Miller
Assistant Vice President for Research
2701 General Services Complex
1260 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1260
979.862.6450
Information 979.862.7988
Fax 979.862.4593

Annette Shenkir
Assistant Vice President for Research

Robert Webb
Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
302 Administration Building
1113 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1113
979.845.3631
Fax 979.862.1692

Robert Webb
318B Administration Building
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Research
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1855

Units, Division of Research and Graduate Studies

Comparative Medicine Program (CMP)
Elizabeth Browder, Interim Director
972 Agronomy Road
4473 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4473
979.845.7433
Fax 979.845.6706

 
Continuing and Professional Studies Office (CAPSO)
Jan Fernandez, Interim Director
200 Discovery Drive, Suite 101
4460 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4460
979.862.7564
Fax 979.845.6407

Geospatial Information Science and Technology
Daniel Z. Sui, Director
814A Eller O&M
3147 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3147
979.845.7141
Fax 979.862.4487

Information Technology Systems Group
Aaron L. Brender, Director
633 Blocker Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.9785
Fax 979.862.5600

 
Integrative Center for Homeland Security
David H. McIntyre, Director
200 Discovery Drive, Suite 104
1185 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1185
979.862.2432
Fax 979.862.2448

 
Microscopy and Imaging Center (MIC)
Andreas K. H. Holzenburg, Director
119 Biological Sciences Bldg. West
2257 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2257
979.845.1129
Fax 979.847.8933

 
National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense
Neville P. Clarke, Director
1500 Research Parkway, Suite 100A
2129 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2129
979.845.2855
Fax 979.845.6574

Office of Biosafety
Bruce M. Whitney, Responsible Official/Biological Safety Officer
750 Agronomy Road, Suite 3501
1186 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1186
979.862-4549
Fax 979.458.2669

Institutional Biosafety Committee
Tiffany Agnew, Program Coordinator
979.458.1467

Office of Business Administration
Annette Shenkir, Assistant Vice President
312 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.458.2275
Fax 979.458.1833

Office of Communications and Public Relations
Tiffany D. Inbody, Director
309 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.8069
Fax 979.845.1855

 
Office of Distance Education
Jan Richards, Assistant Director
200 Discovery Drive , Suite 101
1478 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1478
979.845.4282
Fax 979.845.4422

 
Office of Graduate Studies (OGS)
Robert Webb, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
302 Administration Building
1113 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1113
979.845.3631
Fax 979.862.1692

Office of Proposal Development (OPD)
Mike Cronan, Director
305 Administration Building
2404 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2404
979.845.1811
Fax 979.458.0036

Office of Research Compliance
Angelia Raines, Director
General Services Complex, Suite 3501
TAMU 1186
College Station, TX 77843-1186
979.458.1467
Fax 979.862.3176

Office of Undergraduate Research
Robert C. Webb, Associate Dean
318 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1402

Research Policy and Development Support Office
Greg Foxworth, Assistant Vice President
305 Jack K. Williams Administration Building
3121 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3121

979.845.1812
Fax 979.458.0036

Research Reporting Statistics and Ombedsperson
Becky H. Holloway, Director
201 Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.862.3939
Fax 979.458.4513

Sustainable Development Program
Mahlon C. Kennicutt II, Director
318C Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.458.0115
Fax 979.458.1855

Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine
Richard H. Finnell, Director/Chief Executive Officer
1201 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1201
713.677.7777

Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies
Theresa W. Fossum, Director
 4474 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
979.845.2351
Fax 979.845.3376

Texas A&M University Research Park
vacant, Director

Texas A&M University Research Services (TAMU-RS)
Charlene B. Miller, Assistant Vice President for Research
2701 General Services Complex
1260 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1260
979.862.6450
Information 979.862.7988
Fax 979.862.4593

Project Administration
Janet Killion, Director
979.862.2841

Additional Research Service Groups

Elemental Analysis Lab
William D. James, Manager
Center for Chemical Characterization and Analysis
3144 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3144
979.845.7630
Fax 979.845.1655

Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHSD)
John Salsman, Director
1111 Research Parkway, Suite 220
4472 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4472
979.845.2132
Fax 979.845.1348

Gene Technologies Laboratory (GTL)
Timothy Hall, Director
BSBW 437
3155 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3155
979.845.9844
Fax 979.862.4098

Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry (LBMS)
David H. Russell, Director
Department of Chemistry LBMS
P.O. Box 30012
College Station, Texas 77843-3012
979.845.3345
Fax 979.845.9485

Laboratory for Molecular Simulation
Michael B. Hall, Director
Department of Chemistry
P.O. Box 30012
College Station, Texas 77843-3255
979.845.9384
Fax 979.845.2971

 
Nuclear Science Center
Warren D. Reece, President
1095 Nuclear Science Road
3575 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3575
979.845.7551
Fax 979.862.2677

Office of International Coordination
Kim Fox, Program Coordinator
Annenberg Presidential Conference Center
4251 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4251
979.862.6700
Fax 979.862.6705

 
Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC)
David R. Riddle Jr., Director, Licensing and Intellectual Property
3369 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77845-3369
979.862.1933

Office of Undergraduate Research
Robert Webb, Associate Dean
318B Administration Building
1112 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1112
979.845.8585
Fax 979.845.1855

Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL)
Larry Dangott, Director
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
2128 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2128
979.845.2965
Fax 979.845.8015

Texas AgriLife Research
Mark Hussey, Director
113 Administration Building
2142 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2142
979.845.4747
Fax 979.862.1637

Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC)
Nancy W. Dickey, President
801 Tarrow St.
College Station, Texas 77846-7896
979.458.7200
Fax 979.458.7202

Texas A&M Research Foundation
Leo J. Paterra, President and CEO
400 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
3578 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77845
979.845.8600
Fax 979.862.3250

 
Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)
Kenneth L. Peddicord, Director
301 Wisenbaker Engineering Research Center
3577 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3126

and 1470 William D. Fitch Parkway, 4645 TAMU
979.845.7203
Fax 979.845.4925

Texas Transportation Institute (TTI)
D. L. Christiansen, Director
3135 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3135
979.845.1713
Fax 979.845.9356

A

A-110
This federal OMB Circular document establishes uniform regulations for each federal agency to follow in regards to the administration of projects sponsored by the federal government. In addition, each federal agency has its own regulations that are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and explained in its policy handbook (if it has one).

A-133
A federally required audit of financial systems and expenditures in accordance with OMB Circular A-133. This audit covers any program that receives $500,000 or more in federal funds. Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) coordinates these audits.

A-21
This federal OMB Circular document establishes uniform regulations that the University must follow in regards to determining costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other agreements with educational institutions. Each federal agency applies these laws in its own regulations that are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and explained in its policy handbook (if it has one). The OMB Circular is the backbone of agency regulations; the agency cannot impose regulations that are inconsistent with the Circular or impose additional requirements.

Accounts Receivable
The financial system accounting mechanism used to record amounts billed and owed to the University.

Advance Payment
A type of payment received before any financial reports or invoices are submitted.

Allocable
Assigning costs to a project so that they meet a specific project objective based on relative benefits received. A cost may be allocable to a specific project but paid for by the University, depending on what the sponsor determines is allowable for a particular type of project.

Allowable
A cost charged to a project per sponsor guidelines. A cost may be allowable per sponsor’s guidelines, but if it does not meet any specific project objectives, it is not allocable.

Approval
Process by which individuals sign, initial, or otherwise indicate that they are willing to allow a transaction to occur.

Authorized Signer
Individuals designated by department or University policy to approve transactions.

B

Biohazardous Agent
Any biological derived toxin (including mutated, truncated, or inactivated toxins); pathogens or potential pathogens of plants, animals or humans; recombinant DNA modified agents including transgenic plants and animals (vertebrate and non-vertebrate).

Bridge Account
An account established before the award process has been completed in order to facilitate administrative establishment of the project.

Budget
Detailed financial plans to identify expected or anticipated revenues and expenditures for a fiscal year.

Budget Narrative
A page that includes an itemized justification for one or more of the following: equipment, supplies, travel, or other expenses.

Budget Period
Internal funding period of an award–usually 12 months. The project period is divided into budget periods for budgetary and funding purposes.

Budgetary Changes
Changes to the budget after it has been approved. Budget changes, also referred to as rebudgeting, generally refer to increases or decreases in amounts previously budgeted, but may also involve adding zero-dollar budgeted object or revenue source codes. Budgetary changes may require sponsor approval.

C

Carryforward
Unexpended funds carried from one budget period to another.

Conflict of Interest
When an employee compromises professional judgment in carrying out University teaching, research, outreach, or public service activities because of an external relationship that directly or indirectly affects the financial or business interests of the employee, an immediate family member, or an associated entity.

Continuation Application
An application for continued support on a project currently funded by the sponsor.

Contract
An agreement where the sponsor has more involvement and uses the project to achieve a specific outcome or deliverable. Example: A sponsor requests proposals to devise an electric wheelchair. Before the project begins, the sponsor and the PI discuss what features the wheel chair should have and agree on tests that the finished project must pass. The work is conducted by the PI.

Contract Officer
Sponsor’s employee who is officially responsible for the project’s business management.

Controlled Substance
Any substance listed in the Controlled Substances Act, Code of Federal.

Cooperative Agreement
An agreement where the sponsor has substantial involvement in the project and the work is conducted by both the sponsor’s employees and the PI.

Copyright
A copyright protects an original work, set down in a fixed form or medium of expression, e g., texts, computer software, visual, and audio materials. It protects the embodiment of an idea, as opposed to the idea itself. A copyright term is 75 years from the date of publication or 100 years from the time the work was created.

Cost Reimbursable
The University is reimbursed by the sponsor only for actual costs incurred; any unspent funds revert to the sponsor (see Fixed Price Project Agreement).

Cost Sharing
The terms “cost sharing,” “matching,” and “in-kind” refer to that portion of the total project costs not covered by the sponsor. The university generally refers to cost sharing when looking at labor items.

Cost Transfer
Transferring expenses or resources from one account to another. Moving a direct charge expense from one account to another after the charge has been posted in a financial system.

D

Direct Cost
Similar to direct charge. Charges identified specifically with a particular sponsored project, an instructional activity, or any other institutional activity, or directly assigned to such activities with a high degree of accuracy (OMB Circular A-21).

Document Review/Approval Sheet
An internal form used to route a proposal for review and approval.

E

Effort
Work or the proportion of time staff spend on any activity and expressed as a percentage of total time.

Effort Reporting
University process used to comply with federal regulations requiring the University to certify time spent and salary charged to a sponsored project.

Equipment
Any item purchased at a unit consistent with university policies for capitalization. (The capitalization level is $5K or greater, and a useful life of over one year).

Export Control
Refers to federal legislation, such as ITAR (International Trafficking in Arms Regulations), restricting access by nationals from certain countries to some types of research.

F

Facilities and Administration Cost (F&A Cost)
Per OMB Circular A-21, F&A costs are “costs that are incurred for common or joint objectives and, therefore, cannot be identified readily and specifically with a particular sponsored project, an instructional activity, or any other institutional activity.” Examples include operation and maintenance expenses, and costs incurred for sponsored projects administration.

Facilities and Administration Cost Rate (F&A Cost Rate)
A composite rate applied to sponsored projects as a percentage of the sponsored project’s direct costs, for the purpose of charging the sponsored project its share of the University’s indirect/F&A costs. The federally negotiated Indirect/F&A Cost Rates for research and other sponsored activities are developed by the University in accordance with OMB Circular A-21, and negotiated with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the university’s federal cognizant agency. The indirect costs for a project are computed by multiplying the direct costs by the indirect cost rate.

Fiscal Year (FY)
At the university, the fiscal year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 the following year.

Fixed Fee
In a “fixed fee” award, the PI agrees to accomplish project objectives within a specific time-frame for a set dollar amount per patient, per hour, or other unit. The total award amount is based on an estimated number of units and is subject to downward adjustment based on the actual number of units completed. The fee per unit remains constant, even if the actual cost per unit is above or below that amount. Any overexpenditures are the responsibility of the department, and earned unspent revenue does not revert to the sponsor. If the deliverables are not completed within the award period, the contract must be extended.

Fixed Price
In a “fixed price” award, the PI agrees to accomplish project objectives within a specific time-frame for a set dollar amount. If the deliverables are not completed within the award period, the contract may be extended. The award amount also remains constant, even if actual costs for the project are above or below it. Any over-expenditures are the responsibility of the department, and unspent funds do not revert to the sponsor.

G

Gift
Money or property transferred to the university via a recognized University foundation that is NOT intended to result in direct economic benefit, goods, or services to the donor. Gifts are not sponsored projects.

Grant
Awards given to the university with a purpose to support instruction, research or public service. “Grant” can also mean a specific type of award (as opposed to contract or cooperative agreement). In this context, “grant” is a pledge of support where the sponsor has little involvement in conducting the project.

Grant or Contract Officer
Sponsor’s employee who is officially responsible for the project’s business management.

I

Indirect Costs (IDC)
See “Facilities and Administration Costs.” The federal government has replaced “indirect costs” with the term “facilities and administration (F&A) costs.”

In-Kind
The university considers “in-kind” to be interchangeable with “matching” but the term may refer to costs borne by an external organization, for example when individuals at another organization volunteer their time.

Intellectual Property (IP)
Any invention, discovery, improvement, copyrightable work, integrated circuit mask work, trademark, trade secret, and licensable know-how or related rights.

A type of payment in which the university submits an invoice to the sponsor.

L

License
Legal permission from a patent owner to practice an invention. The license term is negotiated with the licensee.

M

Mandatory Cost Sharing
Cost sharing required by the sponsor and stated on the Notice of Grant/Contract Award (NOGA), must be documented and reported to the sponsor.

Mandatory Matching
Matching that is required by the sponsor, is stated on the Notice of Grant/Contract Award (NOGA), must be documented, and must be reported to the sponsor.

Matching
The terms “cost sharing,” “matching,” and “in-kind” refer to that portion of the total project costs not funded by the sponsor. The university generally refers to matching when looking at nonlabor items. Match funds can be required by sponsors for equipment acquisition programs, specialized research centers, or other multidisciplinary programs. Typically these match funds are provided by the institution.

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
Legal contracts stating conditions under which a proprietary research material is being transferred from one institution or company to another.

N

Non-Sponsored Account
Funds not administered by the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA).

O

Other Support
All financial resources, whether Federal, non-Federal, commercial or institutional, available in direct support of an individual’s research endeavors, including but not limited to research grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and/or institutional awards. Training awards, prizes, or gifts are not included.

P

Patent
A grant of property by the United States government to the creator giving the owner of the patent the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention in the U.S. or importing it to this country. A U.S. patent is granted for 20 years.

Pre-award Costs
Costs incurred prior to the effective date of an award or budget period.

Principal Investigator (PI)
The individual primarily responsible for and in charge of the sponsored project.

Program Income
Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the award (refer to OMB Circular A-110).

Project Period
The total time that support of a project has been programmatically approved. A project period may consist of one or more budget periods.

Proposal
A complete document containing all the information necessary to describe proposed project plans, staff capabilities, and requested funds.

R

Record Retention
Process of storing either paper copies of documents in the department, or microfilmed copies in the University’s central business office. Process includes the time period during which documents and records of the university must be kept due to legal requirements, uniform business code, or prudent business practice.

Request for Application (RFA)
Announcements indicating the availability of funds for a topic of interest to a sponsor. Proposals submitted in response to RFAs generally result in the award of a grant.

Request for Consultant or Outside Service Agreement (ROC)
Form which PIs complete to obtain prior approval for each outside professional activity that is engaged in for more than an average of one day per month in the current term of appointment.

Request for Proposal (RFP)
Announcements specifying a research topic, methods to be used, product to be delivered, and appropriate applicants sought. Proposals submitted in response to RFPs generally result in the award of a contract.

Research
Any investigative activity engaged in by University personnel using University facilities or resources regardless of funding source.

S

Select Agent
A HHS select agent is a biological agent or toxin that has the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. There are currently 41 agents and toxins listed in the CDC regulation found in Part 73 of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins). In
addition, the USDA is responsible for establishing a list of agents and toxins that has the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. These regulations can be found in Part 331, Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (Plants) and Part 121, Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (Animals). Those select agent and toxins that are regulated by both CDC and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are referred to as “overlap” select agents and toxins.

Sponsor
Individual or organization that provides funds to a project.

Sponsored Project
An externally funded activity governed by specific terms and conditions. Sponsored projects must be separately budgeted and accounted for subject to terms of the sponsoring organization. Sponsored project activities include grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for research, training, and other public service.

Subcontract
see Sub-award

Sub-award
An agreement in which personnel at a non-university organization, such as another institution, conduct a part of the programmatic aspect of a sponsored project. The key elements of a sub-award include: a sub-recipient independently responsible for conducting a portion of the workscope; the arrangement is collaborative, and the arrangement is generally time-intensive. A sub-award is also referred to as a subcontract.

T

Total Direct Cost (TDC)
The project’s total direct costs.

Total Project Costs
The total allowable direct and indirect costs of a project.

Trademark
A name, work, symbol, or device which allows the trademark owner to dictate its use in identifying a product, e.g., logos and brand names.

U

Unallowable Costs
Costs that are specifically designated as unallowable costs by the sponsor.

Unrestricted Funds
Funds having no requirements or restrictions as to use. Grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements are considered to be restricted funds.

V

Voluntary Cost Sharing
Cost sharing that is not required by the sponsor, and not reported to the sponsor, must be documented through established procedures.

Voluntary Matching
Matching that is not required by the sponsor, and not reported to the sponsor, although must be documented through established procedures.

OMB Circular A-21 - Cost Principles for Educational institutions (A-21)

OMB Circular A-110 - Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals or Other Nonprofit Organizations (A-110)

OMB Circular A-133 - Audits of States, Local Governments & Non-Profit Organizations (A-133)

A

A&M System - The Texas A&M University System

AAALAC - American Association of Animal Laboratory Accreditation Council

AAAS - American Association for the Advancement of Science

AAMC - Association of American Medical Colleges

AAU - Association of American Universities

ABRF - Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities

ACM - Association of American Medical Colleges

ACO - Administrative Contracting Officer

ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

AFAR - Air Force Audit Agency

AFARS - Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

AFOSR - Air Force Office of Scientific Research

AFRL - Air Force Research Laboratory

ANPRM - Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

ARDA - Advanced Research & Development Activity

ARL - Army Research Lab

ARO - Army Research Office

ARP - Advanced Research Program

ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency

ASAP - Automated Standard Application for Payments

ATP - Advance Technology Program

B

B2B - Business to Business

BAA - Broad Agency Announcement

BMBL - Biosafety in Biomedical and Microbiological Laboratories

BPN - Business Partner Network

C

CAPSO - Continuing and Professional Studies Office

CAS - Cost Accounting Standards

CASB - Cost Accounting Standards Board

CBD - Commerce Business Daily

CBO - Congressional Budget Office

CCH - Commerce Clearing House

CCR - Central Contractor Registration

CDC - Centers for Disease Control

CFDA - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFO - Chief Financial Officer

CFR - Code of Federal Regulations

CFS - Committee on Fundamental Science

CICA - Competition in Contracting Act

CLIN - Contract Line Item Number

CMIA - Cash Management Improvement Act

CMP - Comparative Medicine Program

CNO - Chief of Naval Operations

CO - Contracting Officer

COGR - Council on Governmental Relations

CONACyT - Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia

CoS - Committee on Science, a primary committee of the National Science and Technology Council

COS - Community of Science

COSEPUP - Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy

COTR - Contract Officer Technical Representative

CPSR - Contractor Procurement/Property System Review

CRADA - Cooperative Research and Development Agreement

CRS - Congressional Research Service

CSR - Center for Scientific Review

D

DA - Department Administration Costs

DA - Department of the Army

DARPA - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

DC - Direct Costs

DCE - Direct Cost Equivalent

DCAA - Defense Contract Audit Agency

DCASR’s - Defense Contract Administration Services Regions

DEAR - Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations

DEC - Determination of Exceptional Circumstances

DED - Department of Education

DFAR - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation

DFARS - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

DHEW - Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

DHHS - Department of Health and Human Services

DIA - Defense Intelligence Agency

DIALOG - A computer based search system using key words

DIPEC - Defense industrial Plant Equipment Council

DIS - Defense Investigative Service

DNA - Defense Nuclear Agency

DOC - Department of Commerce

DOD - Department of Defense

DODGARS - DOD Grant and Agreement Regulations

DOE - Department of Energy

DOL - Department of Labor

DOT - Department of Transportation

DSMB - Data Safety Monitoring Board

E

EAR - Export Administration Regulations

EARS - Electronic Approval and Routing Systems

ebXML - Electronic Business Extensible Markup Language

EC - Electronic Commerce

EDA - Economic Development Administration

EDGAR - Education Department General Administration Regulations

EDI - Electronic Data Interchange

EDXRF - Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

EFT - Electronic Funds Transfer

EHSD - Environmental Health and Safety Department

EO - Executive Order

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency

ERA - Economic Regulatory Administration

ERA - Electronic Research Administration

ETA - Employment and Training Administration

EVS - Equipment Visibility System

F

F&A - Facilities and Administrative (Rate or Cost)

FAA - Federal Aviation Administration

FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation

FARS - Financial Accounting and Reporting System

FASA - Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act

FASAB - Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

FASEB - Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

FBO - Federal Business Opportunities

FCC - Federal Communications Commission

FCST - Federal Council for Science and Technology

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

FDP I - Florida Demonstration Project

FDPI I - Federal Demonstration Project

FDP III & IV - Federal Demonstration Partnership

FEA - Federal Enterprise Architectures

FECAI - Federal Electronic Commerce Acquisition Instructions

FEDIX - An on-line federal data base serving most federal agencies for on-line searches

FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

FFMIA - Federal Financial Management Improvement Act

FHWA - Federal Highway Administration

FICC - Federal Interagency Coordinating Council

FIMA - Financial Management System

FIPSE - Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education

FISAP - Fiscal Operations Report & Application to Participate

FN - Foreign National

FOIA - Freedom of Information Act

FTS - Federal Telecommunications System

G

GA - General Administration (Costs)

GAO - General Accounting Office

GMO - Grants Management Office

GPRA - Government Performance and Results Act

GSA - General Services Administration

GTL - Gene Technologies Laboratory

GUIRR - Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable

H

HBCU - Historically Black College and University

HEGIS - Higher Education General Information Survey

HUD - Department of Housing and Urban Development

I

IACUC - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

IBC - Institutional Biosafety Committee

ICP-MS - Inductively-Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer

INAA - Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

IR&D - Independent Research and Development

J

JAG - Judge Advocate General

JCS - Joint Chiefs of Staff

L

LA-ICP-MS - Laser Ablation System

LBMS - Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry

LMS - Laboratory for Molecular Simulation

LOB - Line of Business

LSA - Labor Surplus Area

M

M&O - Maintenance and Operations or Management and Operations Contractors

MBDA - Minority Business Development Agency

MBE - Minority Business Enterprise

MCF - Materials Characterization Facility

MECA - Midwest Conference on College Cost Accounting

MIC - Microscopy and Imaging Center

MOU - Memorandum of Understanding

MTA - Material Transfer Agreement

MTDC - Modified Total Direct Costs

N

NACCA - National Conference on College Cost Accounting

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCC - National Coordinating Committee

NCURA - National Council of University Research Administrators

NEH - National Endowment for the Humanities

NGA - Notice of Grant Award

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases

NIE - National Institute of Education

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Services

NIH - National Institutes of Health

NIJ - National Institute of Justice

NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology

NLRB - National Labor Relations Board

NOGA - Notice of Grant/Contract Award

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPR - National Performance Review

NPRM - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

NPS - National Park Service

NRC - National Research Council

NRC - Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NRL - Naval Research Laboratory

NSA - National Security Agency

NSB - National Science Board

NSC - National Security Council

NSDD - National Security Decision Directive 189 (issued 1985)

NSF - National Science Foundation

NSF/STIS - An on-line search system of the National Science Foundation

NSP - Not Separately Priced

NSTC - National Science Technology Council

NTIS - National Technical Information Service

NTSB - National Transportation Safety Board

O

OCR - Office of Civil Rights

OES - Office of Employment Security

OET - Office of Employment Training

OFAC - Office of Foreign Assets Control

OFCC - Office of Federal Contract Compliance

OFFM - Office of Federal Financial Management

OFM - Office of Financial Management

OFR - Office of the Federal Register

OGS - Office of Graduate Studies

OHRP - Office of Human Research Protection

OIG - Office of Inspector General

OIRA - Office of information & Regulatory Affairs (OMB)

OLAW - Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

O&M - Operations and Maintenance Costs

OMB - Office of Management and Budget

ONR - Office of Naval Research

OPD - Office of Proposal Development

OPM - Office of Personnel Management

OPERA - Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration

OPRR - Office for Protection from Research Risks

ORA - Office of Research Administration

ORC - Office of Research Compliance

ORI - Office of Research Integrity

OSEP - Office of Special Education Programs

OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSTP - Office of Science and Technology Policy

OT - Office of Transportation

OTC - Office of Technology Commercialization

OTT - Office of Technology Transfer (NIH)

P

PASS - Interagency Panel on Advanced Science & Security

PCAST - President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology

PCC - Policy Coordination Council

PCO - Procuring Contracting Officer

PCL - Protein Chemistry Laboratory

PDF - Portable Document Format

PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PHI - Protected Health Information

PHS - Public Health Service

PIGABS - Principal Investigator Grant Administration Burden Survey (done by FOP)

PKI - Public Key Infrastructure

PMS - Payment Management System

PRD - Presidential Review Directive

PROG - Peer Review Oversight Group

PTO - Patent and Trademark Office

R

R&R - Research and Related

RAC - Recombinant DNA Committee

RBM - Research Business Models

RCR - Responsible Conduct in Research

RDMS - Relational Database Management System

rDNA - Recombinant DNA Research

RFA - Request for Applications

RFP - Request for Proposal

RFQ - Request for Quotation

RGS - Division of Research and Graduate Studies

ROI - Return on Investment

S

S&W - Salaries and Wages

S&W + B - Salaries and Wages plus Benefits

S2S - System to System

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration

SBA - Small Business Administration

SBU - Sensitive but Unclassified

SBIR - Small Business Innovation Research

SECA - Southeast Conference on College Cost Accounting

SEOG - Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

SEVIS - Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (INS for tracking foreign students)

SF - Standard Form

SNAP - Streamline Non-competing Application Process

SOW - Statement of Work

SPA - Sponsored Project Administration

SPAS - Sponsored Project Administration System

SPIN - An on-line search system for research opportunities developed by the University of New York System

SRA - Society of Research Administrators

SRO - Sponsored Research Office

SRW - Student Research Week

STEP - Science, Technology and Economic Policy Board

STP - Science and Technology Policy

T

T&A - Time and Attendance

TAMU-RS - Texas A&M University Research Services

TBSR - Total Business Systems Review

TD